I sat down then as a concession and a sign that I was willing to talk things over; and she sat near me, taking care to place her chair between me and the door.
"If that is so, it is time that we understood one another. Perhaps I had better begin. You cannot marry Count Karl."
"I love him, Christabel."
"And Monsieur Constans—your husband?"
"Don't, don't. He deserted me. He is a villain, a false scoundrel. Don't speak of him in the same breath with—with the man I love."
"He is your husband, Madame." She moaned and waved her arms despairingly.
"I am the most wretched woman on earth. I love him so."
"And therefore encourage him to take opium. I do not understand that kind of love. Had you not better tell me the truth?"
"I shall save him. You don't understand. My God, you don't understand at all. The only way I can save him is to do what he asks."
"Who is it that is forcing your hand?"